There could still be good news for thousands of cystic fibrosis patients nationwide as the Health Service Executive and US makers of a revolutionary new drug called Orkambi, Vertex, have agreed to meet next Wednesday.
It is understood the two parties will meet to discuss the cost of the drug. The new drug which apparently improves lung function for CF patients, would cost €160,000 per patient annually.
With the extremely high markup the grand total would cost the HSE over €400m. However the health service say they are willing to pay €75 million.
Meanwhile the Minister for Health Simon Harris has he has held discussions with other EU countries in an effort to agree a cost effective approach to make Orkambi available for everyone.